Akpevweoghene Faith Usifo is an experienced Lagos-based fashion designer, entrepreneur, Creative Director, and founder of Styllent Designs, a company that specializes in crafting custom outfits for children. This interview features Akpevweoghene Faith Usifo.
Seyi Taiwo-Oguntuase,
She discusses her fashion brand along with various key fashion topics. Excerpts remain unchanged.
What inspired you to get into fashion design, and can you share how your journey began?
I consider myself highly innovative and a bit of a perfectionist, often going overboard with details. Recognizing that this trait might make it challenging to thrive in someone else’s setup, I decided that running my own enterprise would be the ideal path for me.
I have always believed in creativity, using my hands to make things.
My father is skilled at repairing things, which inspired me to learn this trade from him. After completing my university education, I developed an interest in fashion. During my National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) period, I began crafting hand-knitted bags using rubber cords. In 2014, I transitioned into making hats and fascinators. I also participated in the Lagos State Skill Acquisition Program, where I received recognition for my skills in hat-making and design.
That year, I enrolled at Arakulture, an educational institution for mastering dressmaking. Since then, I’ve dedicated myself to designing garments. In 2019, I formally established my own company with a current emphasis on children’s wear.
How have things been for you since you began?
It has been an incredible journey; initially, some wondered why ‘children’ were so important. I explained that this was my true calling. Many found it hard to grasp why someone would dedicate themselves solely to children’s clothing. However, I believed there was a niche market out there and remained steadfast in pursuing it.
What kinds of difficulties do you encounter in your field?
The primary hurdle is acceptance. As a distinctive group, we require a certain degree of belief to genuinely get behind an idea or initiative.
Initially, many struggle with the idea that someone might establish a fashion label exclusively for children.
Additionally, fabric options are restricted; our Ankara prints are nice, but achieving the perfect combination for a children’s feel might be challenging since certain mixes aren’t easily accessible.
Where do you find high-quality materials?
We obtain our fabrics locally; nonetheless, due to the specific designs we work with, we occasionally need to import our appliqués and additional embellishments from international markets.
In what ways have you managed to utilize the online platform?
We’ve successfully built a presence on Facebook and Instagram, expanding our customer base and sharing the great work we accomplish.
As our company expands, we remain committed to increasing our outreach with the ultimate aim of developing a dedicated website to broaden our audience even further.
What does it take to start this business and what advice will you give to anyone who wants to go into this business?
Patience, dedication, and passion. If there is no passion, there may be no will power to keep you going.
Once more, initiating any enterprise requires going through the process of grasping the essence.
Often, it’s not primarily about the product but rather about the process.
After mastering the process, you can overcome any obstacles. We were clear about our objectives; we acquired the appropriate tools and concentrated on achieving our goals as we evolved within the industry.
How do you believe the government could assist women who run their own businesses within the nation?
One of the biggest hurdles entrepreneurs face is securing funding. The government can offer assistance through grants and long-term loans to support new businesses. For individuals looking to start with little to no initial capital, the government could adopt an approach similar to the traditional Igbo trading system. This would involve providing opportunities for learning and internships before ultimately settling entrepreneurs into successful ventures.
What significant insight have you gained from working in the fashion industry?
The key lesson I’ve learned is not to undervalue yourself as a fashion designer. Let your enterprise speak volumes over time, ensuring punctuality at all times. If you consistently meet your commitments, customers will gladly compensate you for your time.
Which kind of material do you like handling the best and what makes it your favorite?
As a designer specializing in children’s clothing, I love using tulle due to the elegance it brings to my creations.
Tulle plays a crucial role in children’s clothing collections; thus, comprehending its variety, feel, and appearance can be very beneficial. I enjoy utilizing tulle due to the elegance it adds.
What methods do you use to keep informed about the newest fashion trends and integrate these elements into your creations?
Remaining current and pertinent requires effort and commitment. At present, I am pursuing studies in Fashion Business and Management within the United Kingdom with the aim of grasping various aspects of the business related to fashion purchasing, trend prediction, and style forecasts.
I similarly keep an eye on the LSN and WGSN—a trend forecasting firm that assists in staying ahead with the correct trends and gaining insights from future market reports in the realm of fashion.
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